If you’re looking for a way to get in shape and improve your health, Tai Chi may be the answer. Tai Chi is a form of martial arts that has been proven to have a plethora of health benefits, both on your mental and physical wellbeing. Regular practice can help to improve things like our flexibility, our balance and muscle strength. In this article, we will outline some of those key benefits and share tips on how to find a great Tai Chi class near you.
What is Tai Chi?
While it was originally developed as a Chinese martial art, Tai Chi these days is a form of exercise practised more peacefully predominantly for its more gentle movements and mindful impact on those who pick up the activity. It is often used as a form of relaxed exercise and as an ideal activity for easing stress and boosting relaxation.
There are many different styles of Tai Chi and each variation presents unique benefits. Your choice of style may be based on the particular goals you have or the benefits that most appeal to you about this form of exercise. For some, the main priority might be improving muscle strength and balance (a more physical benefit), while others find that taking the time to learn the movements and practise executing them with poise and focus is paramount (a more emotional benefit).
Generally speaking, however, all practice will improve both your physical and emotional wellbeing together, which is what makes it such an appealing and powerful form of exercise.
If you would like to find out more about martial art styles, take a look at the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain’s website here.
Where can I find a Tai Chi class near me?
Whether you’re a relative newbie to Tai Chi or you’ve tried it before and you’re looking to get back into the swing of regular practice, a beginner class is a great place to get started.
It’s always worth checking online to see if there are local classes or martial arts clubs in your area. However, if there aren’t physical classes nearby and you fancy giving it a go from the comfort of your home, there are some fantastic classes you can take online.
The best bit about taking a class online is that you can access a brilliant teacher (who might be based at the opposite end of the country!) and learn at your own pace, keeping your camera off if you prefer so that feeling self-conscious doesn’t disturb your practice.
How would an online Tai Chi class work?
When you sign up for an online Tai Chi class, you will be given access to a virtual classroom. In this classroom, you will be able to chat with your instructor and other students. You will also be able to receive live support and guidance to help your improvements, just as you would in an in-person lesson.
You can decide to keep your microphone and camera on or off (whatever you feel more comfortable with), using the ‘raise hand’ button to ask the instructor any questions you may have.
As a kind of exercise, it promotes flexibility and easy movement without demanding a fast range of movement or cardio-intensive activity. If you can find a local class that’s wonderful, but if you can’t find one, there’s no need to worry – online classes are an excellent way to learn martial arts and can sometimes be even better than in-person groups!
Get started today!
Tai Chi is a wonderful practice to get into and has even been described by ‘meditation in motion’, an idea you can read more about in this article from the Harvard Medical School.
At The Joy Club, we host a weekly Tai Chi and Qigong class led by experienced teacher, Jerry Nicholls. Jerry’s classes have received 5* reviews from members, most of whom are complete beginners, and you can attend as many classes (and a wide variety of other activities) for free when you sign up to become a member of The Joy Club. Premium membership costs just £5 per month and all new members get a one-month, no obligation free trial (with no need to input card details).
“The Joy Club has provided me with many interesting and challenging new experiences and particularly Jerry’s Tai Chi class. So calming, enjoyable and beneficial to mind and body . Thank you Jerry!” (Member)
So what are you waiting for? Join The Joy Club for free today and come along to your first class to start feeling the benefits for yourself! Click here to find out more.